35 under 35
Mallory Golski Omicron Gamma - Ohio University
Civic Engagement and Advocacy Manager, Kaleidoscope Youth Center
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Curiosity
How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
When I was a senior in college, I co-organized an It’s On Us rally against sexual violence on Ohio University’s campus. I actually wrote about this for an issue of The LAMP! On that night, more than 500 students, Athens residents, faculty members and news reporters showed up. As I looked around at the crowd, I remember having this ah-ha moment where I realized that THAT was what I wanted to do as a career: organize people to fight back against injustices and work collectively toward lasting change.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
Honestly, many of my role models and mentors in life continue to be the teachers I had in my K-12 education, from my second grade teacher who took to my idea of someday becoming the first-woman president (thus instilling in me a lifelong confidence to take on leadership roles) to my high school broadcasting teacher who gave me all the practical skills to take on videography projects in every job I’ve had since. Their lasting influence on me is a constant reminder that any interaction I have with someone, however trivial it may seem in the moment, can leave a profound and lasting memory for that person.
What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?
While I was working an internship shortly after graduating college, I first started to come out as a lesbian. I was still very cautious with whom I shared this revelation, but I felt comfortable telling one of my coworkers, who is also openly queer. This person – who has since become a good friend – advised me that ”you can only reach the heights I know you are destined to reach if you allow yourself to be your true self.” The idea of ”professionalism” always evokes a certain conformity, but I think of her words often and strive to bring authenticity to everything I do.
What is the most impactful book you have read, or podcast you have listened to, that relates to you professionally? What made it so impactful?
I have always been an avid reader, devouring books from the American Girl, Baby-Sitters Club and Alice series during my youth and tweenage years. As I got a little older, I stopped wanting to read as much – a change I now attribute to the fact that many young adult books are geared toward heterosexual ”boy meets girl next door” plots or fantasy (which I’m generally not into). I am now constantly reading young adult literature that centers on queer and trans characters, which I would’ve loved to read as a kid and that I love being able to recommend to the youth who I work with each day. Some of my favorite titles include ”Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callender, ”Lily and Dunkin” by Donna Gephart, and ”Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo.
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
I personally hate the concept of ”networking” because it implies a very transactional relationship. It’s an ironic opinion, though, because anybody who attest that when I’m in a public space, I am constantly talking to people – old friends who I run into at the grocery store, colleagues at the Statehouse, former teachers at restaurants and kids I coach at the park. While these interactions often take place outside the traditional ”networking” environments (like conferences or during an after-work happy hour), they’re relationships that are just as valuable to all aspects of my life. While tools like LinkedIn and other social media are helpful for staying in contact with people who I don’t get to see as often in person, the key to making these genuine connections is by putting my phone down and taking a chance to get to know people through genuine conversations.
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
I have to shoutout my pal and DZ sister, Brynne Crawley! She was chapter president when I was a new member, and I have always seen her as a role model. She is both a calming presence when I’m anxious (which is OFTEN) and an enthusiastic hype woman when things are going my way. I always appreciate having someone in my corner, no matter what.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to swim, bike, run and read!